Jennifer Ralph
North Grafton,MA
Summary
Accomplished HR professional with a proven track record in recruitment, onboarding, and diversity initiatives. Experienced in utilizing HRIS and effectively communicating across departments to enhance operational efficiency. Skilled in evaluating and implementing DEI programs, contributing to a more inclusive work environment. Demonstrates expertise in policy development and strategic planning, resulting in significant improvements in workforce operations. Possesses functional and working knowledge of federal and state leave of absence policies and policy administration. Adept at driving workforce operations and HR excellence, I leveraged my skills in recruitment, onboarding, and diversity initiatives at the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School. My strategic planning and cross-functional communication facilitated the placement of 20+ professionals, enhancing operational efficiency and compliance. My approach blends analytical prowess with a commitment to fostering inclusive, high-performing teams. Experienced with operational process improvements and streamlining workflows for efficiency. Utilizes strong problem-solving skills and collaborative approaches to meet organizational goals. Track record of effective resource management and implementing best practices for operational success.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Workforce Operations Specialist
University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School
02.2023 - Current
- HR liaison between UMCCTS, UMass Chan HR, and contract staffing companies
- Manages full hiring process from requisition creation, candidate evaluation and feedback to onboarding
- Ensures consistent procedures, with focus on onboarding and orientation and adherence to organizational and governmental policies
- Provides consultative guidance to all personnel levels on department, organizational, and federal policies including payroll, Leave of Absence, remote work, time off, and performance evaluation
- Drives process improvement through data analysis and documentation of processes including position workflows, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) integration and associated staffing projection and recruitment/retention efforts
- Collaborates on and assists in implementing social media and web content enhancement for recruitment and engagement, posting on departmental and professional websites
- Manages personnel staff actions from recruitment to onboarding, as well as managing staff exits
- Create and manage personnel actions including supervisor changes, department funding changes, and salary revisions
- Prepare and advertise position descriptions, create job requisitions in iCIMS applicant tracking system (ATS), evaluate applicant resumes, manage interviews, and provide candidate salary recommendations upon selection
- Facilitate onboarding, including employee health service coordination and IT security
- Oversee payroll requests, submit and track employee payroll adjustments
- Collaborate with department heads to project and create strategies for potential staffing needs
- Coordinate new hire orientation, electronic hardware (laptop and peripherals), and system access
- Maintain personnel files/actions, evaluate, administer, and update HR policies to ensure compliance with federal, state, and organizational requirements
- Evaluated 50+ resumes, scheduled 30+ interviews, and placed 12 permanent FTEs and six contractors in 2022-2023
- Evaluated 50+ resumes, scheduled 30+ interviews, participated in 10 interviews, placing eight FTEs and four contractors in 2023-2024
- Developed and monitored department diversity, equity, and inclusion plan, analyzes industry trends and policy changes, assesses and reports department compliance
- Led the effort to restructure and implement roles within the Institutional Review Board (IRB) department
- Responsible for identifying comparable academic institutions with comparable roles to reclassify each position
- New titles and new job descriptions (entry-level to director) along with qualifying experience and academic backgrounds were created to support recommended salary grade and associated compensation
- Member of CCTS Intern Program Leadership Team
- Designed and implemented a clinical research professional pathway within a workforce development program, facilitating undergraduate students' entry into health sciences and participation in clinical trial processes
- Evaluated and selected 12 interns from 30 undergraduate applications in 2023
- In 2024, evaluated and selected 12 of 36 applicants, in addition to managing onboarding for 10 additional students in the Bridging Engineering and Medicine (BEAM) program
- Solely responsible for developing and administering HR onboarding, orientation, and payroll processes for intern programs
- Attends UMass system-wide campus career events to expose and educate students and faculty regarding clinical research professional career pathway and undergraduate internships, BEAM and EXCEL-UP
- Participated in one virtual recruitment event in 2023 and three onsite in 2024: UMass Lowell, UMass Amherst, and UMass Boston
- Key editorial member of the institution's renewal for the National Institute of Health Center for Translational Science Award grant renewal, submitted in May 2024
- Provided critical editorial expertise in Microsoft Word and Excel formatting to reflect NIH submission guidelines for a grant crucial to funding numerous clinical research trials and programs performed within the UMass system
- Oversaw day-to-day operations, delegating tasks appropriately to ensure smooth workflow and timely completion of projects.
- Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously while adhering to deadlines and budget constraints.
- Promoted a culture of accountability within the department by setting clear expectations for performance and holding team members responsible for achieving results.
- Utilized advanced analytical skills in order to resolve complex operational issues effectively.
- Analyzed data to identify trends and make informed decisions, driving continuous improvement in operations.
- Implemented necessary changes in response to shifting business needs, maintaining a proactive approach to problemsolving.
- Improved operational efficiency by streamlining processes and implementing new systems.
- Continuously sought opportunities for professional development in order to remain knowledgeable about industry best practices.
- Provided training for new hires, fostering a supportive learning environment conducive to success in their roles.
- Enhanced team productivity with effective communication strategies and regular performance reviews.
- Established key partnerships both internally and externally that contributed significantly toward achieving organizational objectives.
- Evaluated staff performance and provided coaching to address inefficiencies.
- Generated reports detailing findings and recommendations.
- Maintained overall safe work environment with employee training programs and enforcement of safety procedures.
- Maintained database systems to track and analyze operational data.
- Devised and implemented processes and procedures to streamline operations.
Administrative Coordinator II / HR Coordinator
University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School
05.2021 - 02.2023
- Coordinated, integrated, and synchronized HR and staff actions for director-level medical administration office
- Scheduled and arranged conferences, meetings, and appointments
- Collaborated with management to identify hiring needs and job specifications
- Stayed updated on HR trends, regulatory changes, and new technologies
- Facilitated smooth day-to-day operations by anticipating needs, proactively addressing potential issues, and efficiently resolving problems as they arose.
- Proactively identified opportunities for improving administrative processes, implementing changes that led to increased efficiency and effectiveness.
- Provided guidance to employees and applicants regarding personnel functions and policies
- Coordinated interview activities and onboarding processes
- Maintained personnel files and generate reports for analysis
- Administered HR programs, including performance management and training
- Liaised between department and institutional HR, as well as contract staffing companies, to forecast staffing needs, assess applicant qualifications, and facilitate hiring and onboarding processes
- Developed and implemented new hire orientation program for optimal onboarding experience
- In collaboration with talent acquisition, hiring managers, and contracted recruiters, evaluated 30+ resumes and scheduled 20+ interviews
- Facilitated onboarding of eight FTE and six contractors between 2021-2022
- As administrator, coordinated travel logistics for seven authorizations, ensuring compliance with organizational, state, and federal regulations based on travel requirements
- Maintained foreign travel and training documentation
- Scheduled over 100 annual meetings across administrative and executive offices using Microsoft Outlook
- Provided executive services, drafting and finalizing over 100 correspondences and reports
- Prepared and submitted seven expense reports with receipts for reimbursement
Executive Support Specialist
US Army, Office of the Deputy G-1 (Personnel)
02.2020 - 05.2021
- Ensured compliance with Army-directed correspondence requirements for read-ahead materials
- Managed employee record management portals for both civilian and military personnel
- Verified, submitted, and coordinated profile updates for commission officers, enlisted soldiers, and civilian employees
- Developed and maintained electronic records for Department of Defense training requirements
- Coordinated training sessions as necessary
- Promoted to support Deputy Chief of Staff and partner with HQDA G-1 Human Resources Management Office
- Coordinated logistics for five special projects and events, including officer retirements and promotions
- Authored 20+ reports, 100+ letters, and 75+ memoranda, ensuring strict confidentiality and precision
- Managed 100+ travel authorizations and expense reports, in line with Department of Defense regulations
- Increased operational efficiency with proactive administrative support, including document preparation, email management, and expense report processing.
Executive Assistant
U.S. Army Cyber Command
08.2017 - 02.2020
- Selected to serve on interview panels for high-profile roles, designing interview guides, scheduling and conducting interviews, and debriefing with hiring managers and HR team members
- Assisted Deputy HR Director in revising Civilian and Military Award program, streamlining processes, redesigning templates, and presenting for approval
- Provided training and conducted workshops for Task Management (TMT) Action Officer Licensees, applying adult learning methodologies
- Created and managed office systems to streamline documentation processes
- Maintained Top Secret/SCI with CI polygraph security clearance ensuring strict confidentiality per regulatory requirements
- Promoted to assist Commanding General in coordinating staff events and activities
- Managed logistics for five special projects, including high-ranking officer retirements and promotions
- Authored 20+ reports, 100+ letters, and 75+ memoranda with strict confidentiality and precision
- Managed 100+ travel authorization requests and expense report submissions, adhering to Department of Defense Joint Travel Regulations
- Handled confidential and sensitive information with discretion and tact.
- Managed executive calendars, scheduling meetings and appointments and coordinating travel arrangements to optimize time.
- Maintained confidentiality with sensitive documents, ensuring proper storage and distribution as needed.
- Processed travel expenses and reimbursements for executive team and senior management group.
- Prepared and edited presentations on behalf of executives for both internal meetings and external conferences.
Executive Assistant
U.S. Army Cyber Command
05.2016 - 08.2017
- Provided executive-level support for staff actions and events in 3-Star Command management office
- Offered technical advice and assistance in developing administrative procedures
- Guided employees in travel arrangements and record-keeping
- Obtained and maintained Top Secret/SCI with CI polygraph security clearance, ensuring regulatory confidentiality
- Prepared 100+ memoranda, 50+ policies, and 100+ letters, ensuring adherence to Army Regulations
- Provided editing expertise for 100+ documents, enhancing accuracy and quality
- Served as Organizational Defense Travel Administrator, analyzing and authorizing 200+ authorizations
- Orchestrated 100+ travel authorization requests and expense report submissions
- Processed 50+ travel expenses and reimbursements for executive team and senior management
- Managed executive calendars, scheduling meetings and appointments and coordinating travel arrangements to optimize time.
- Handled confidential and sensitive information with discretion and tact.
- Served as a liaison between departments to facilitate effective communication throughout the organization.
Patient Survey Project Manager
Southern California Permanente Medical Group
09.2013 - 08.2015
- Promoted to lead provider performance evaluation metrics, conducting quantitative and qualitative analysis to assess productivity and compare program outputs with objectives
- Presented recommendations to management based on evaluation findings
- Fielded and responded to ad hoc inquiries for individual and department-level performance status from physicians and senior leaders, applying evaluation methodology
- Utilized metrics, factfinding, and investigative techniques to evaluate program effectiveness
- Generated and disseminated 48 report variations for 48 medical directors from multiple databases
- Managed approximately 25 performance status inquiries weekly, applying evaluation methodologies
- Facilitated 80+ annual meetings, managing logistics such as audiovisual equipment and catering
- Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously by prioritizing tasks according to urgency, resource availability, and alignment with organizational goals.
- Planned, designed, and scheduled phases for large projects.
- Met project deadlines without sacrificing build quality or workplace safety.
- Established effective communication among team members for enhanced collaboration and successful project completion.
- Developed comprehensive project plans with clear timelines, milestones, and budget requirements, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality results.
- Delivered exceptional customer satisfaction by proactively addressing client concerns and meeting or exceeding expectations throughout the engagement process.
- Monitored progress against established goals, adjusting schedules and resources as needed to keep projects on track.
- Developed strong relationships with stakeholders through regular communication updates, fostering trust and confidence in the team''s ability to deliver results.
- Collaborated closely with senior management to align project objectives with strategic company initiatives, ensuring that efforts contributed to overall business growth.
Education
Master of Arts - Human Resource Management
Webster University
St. Louis, MO08-2022
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice Administration
University of Phoenix
Phoenix, AZ11-2015
Skills
- Recruitment & Onboarding
- HRIS
- Talent Acquisition
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
- Policy Development & Administration
- Employee Relations
- Employment Law
- Training & Development
- Performance Management
- Compensation Analysis
- Benefits Administration
- Operational Efficiency
- Planning and coordination
- Cross-Functional Communication
- Project Management
- Resource Planning and Scheduling
- Human relations
- Business Forecasting
- Onboarding Design
- Personnel assessment
- Strategic Planning
- Organizational Development
- Workflow Optimization
- Performance Metrics
- Analytical Skills
- Regulatory Compliance
Affiliations
- Society for Human Resource Management
- Project Management Institute
Communityserviceoutreach
- Registration Program Manager & Committee Member, Boy Scouts of America, Volunteer
- Girl Scouts of America, Volunteer
- United Service Organizations (USO), Volunteer
Awardscredentials
- Meritorious Civilian Service Medal, US Army, Office of the Deputy G-1 (Personnel), 11/01/20
- Meritorious Civilian Service Medal, US Army Cyber Command, 02/01/20
Certification
HR Certification Institute (HRCI) Professional: Employment Law 09/2024
HRCI Certificate in Diversity & Inclusion in HR Management – Culture, Engagement, and Leadership 09/2024
Learn with Workday (HRIS) 02/2024
CAPM: Common Project Management Methods Credential 96496462
Timeline
Workforce Operations Specialist
University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School
02.2023 - Current
Administrative Coordinator II / HR Coordinator
University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School
05.2021 - 02.2023
Executive Support Specialist
US Army, Office of the Deputy G-1 (Personnel)
02.2020 - 05.2021
Executive Assistant
U.S. Army Cyber Command
08.2017 - 02.2020
Executive Assistant
U.S. Army Cyber Command
05.2016 - 08.2017
Patient Survey Project Manager
Southern California Permanente Medical Group
09.2013 - 08.2015
HR Certification Institute (HRCI) Professional: Employment Law 09/2024
HRCI Certificate in Diversity & Inclusion in HR Management – Culture, Engagement, and Leadership 09/2024
Learn with Workday (HRIS) 02/2024
CAPM: Common Project Management Methods Credential 96496462
Master of Arts - Human Resource Management
Webster University
Bachelor of Science - Criminal Justice Administration
University of Phoenix
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